Headwaters of the Colorado Coordinator

About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012 by landowners and managers, the organization aims to increase the wellbeing of working lands in the American West and the living communities, including human and wildlife, that depend on them.

Position Overview: The Headwaters of the Colorado Coordinator will work with organizational and program leadership to provide support to landowners and collaborative partners for the Headwaters of the Colorado Initiative of Colorado and Wyoming. The position will provide boots-on-the-ground capacity needed to assist landowners and collaborative partners in the Headwaters of the Colorado in bringing large scale, watershed improvement projects on private and adjacent public lands from concept to a “shovel ready” status so they are ripe for relevant funding opportunities (i.e., BIL, IRA, Farm Bill). The Headwaters of the Colorado Coordinator will be responsible for providing the support needed for convening stakeholders, project planning, project management and oversight, and grant writing.

Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday

Location: This position is remote with preference of residency in the Headwaters of the Colorado landscape. Periodic travel will be required.

Reports to: Western Water Program Director

Compensation: $60,000-$75,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental and medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program.

Duties/Responsibilities Include:

• Run Headwaters of the Colorado Initiative (Initiative) Steering Committee meetings, develop agendas, take minutes, and call for votes.
• Plan, coordinate, and run the Initiative’s collaborative meetings with partnering organizations and members of the public, develop agendas, coordinate speakers, take minutes.
• Work with subcommittees to achieve their goals and support the effective functioning of the Initiative.
• Explore grant opportunities, cost-share programs and financial and technical assistance from government agencies and private organizations. Develop and have the capacity to pursue and develop grants.
• Be a point of contact for various agencies or organizations that would like to make proposals and partner with the Initiative.
• Maintain communications with stakeholders by phone, e-mail, and in writing; schedule and organize meetings.
• Attend meetings and conferences that align with the Initiative’s mission and goals and report back with updates, summaries, and opportunities.
• Use technology aids and possible website development to support updates, summaries, and opportunities.
• Plan, direct, and monitor complex watershed projects by coordinating project teams and partnering with stockgrowers associations, state land and water offices, federal agencies, conservation districts, ditch companies, place-based landowner-led organizations and other groups.
• Assist collaborative partners in watershed health, wildfire mitigation, and agricultural efficiency project development, planning and design and support these projects in seeking relevant funding opportunities (local/state/federal).
• Communicate barriers and opportunities related to accessing watershed restoration funding and resources.
• Create reports and perform benchmarking exercises as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience required
• Working knowledge of water management and delivery, and conservation practices and policies
• Project management experience
• Grant writing experience
• Working knowledge of land, water, and natural resource issues in the West including ranching, conservation, and policies related to these issues
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain positive working relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; detail oriented, strong independent work ethic; and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders that have varying opinions and perspectives on land and water management in the West
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office setting and outdoors. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day; conducting business over the telephone and via email; standing for long periods of time; traveling long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads) This position may also require moving agency materials up to 25 pounds. This position requires facilitation of meetings and interfacing professionally with the public.

Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter via our website. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusiveness and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all team members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply.

Target Start Date: April 2024